Change-over system for photographic sound and picture apparatus



Sept. 15, 1936. H, QWENS '2,@54,268

CHANGE-OVER SYS'IEM FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUNDAND PICTURE APPARATUS Filed May 17, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet l k, g u/ e Q N m W H IN V EN TOR.

Eff/1M VIVA-7V5,

A'TTORNEYS Sept. 15, 1936. F. H. OWENS 2,054,268

CHANGE-OVER SYSTEM FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND AND PICTURE APPARA'I US Filed May 17, 1932 4 SheetS-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. fizz/w b6 Omsws:

ATTORNEYS Sept. 15, 1936. OWENS 2,054,268

CHANGE-OVER SYSTEM FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND AND PICTURE APPARATUS Filed May 17, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Freeman H. Owens WQ V / ATTORNEYS Sept. 15, 1936. F. H. OWENS CHANGE-OVER SYSTEM FOR PHQTOGRAPHIC SOUND AND PICTURE APPARATUS Filed May 17, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Freeman H. Owens SWITCH 1.

SWITCH 2. l

ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 15, 1936 attain CHANGE-()VER. SYSTEM FOR PHQTO- GRAPHIC SQ PARA'llUS AND PICTURE A]?- 14 (Claims.

This invention relatesto a change-over system and more particularly to such a system for use with one or more combined motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units.

The primary object of the present invention resides in the provision of a single control device which will make a picture projection system effective or inefiective, and which will simultaneously make a sound reproduction system effective or ineffective together with the picture projection system, the change in the sound reproduction system, however, being made surficiently slowly to avoid audible clickor noise from the loud speaker system. A further and important object of the present invention resides in the application of control means as aforesaid, to a plurality of picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, so that upon manipulation of a single control device both the picture and sound systems in one of the units will be made effective, while the picture and sound systems in another of the units will be made ineiiective, the change-over of the sound systems being made noiseless as aforesaid, and the entire change-over requiring only a single -manipulation by the operator.

Further objects of the present invention center about the convenient and simplified as well as noiseless change-over which I find is made possible when the'desired control is applied to the jected to the screen and rendered visible, the

sound record portion of the film is also projected and the sound rendered audible, and when the visible picture projection is interrupted, the sound projection is simultaneously rendered inefiective and the sound inaudible. Another object of my invention lies in the provision in two or more apparatuses of means so interconnected that ii in one apparatus the sound record is projected and rendered audible and the picture single unit, thereby insuring their simultaneous operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a simple change-over means of this character so arranged that an operator working at either machine may easily and conveniently operate the change-over device, there being a complete connected operating means at each machine.

A further object of my invention lies in the provision of a change-over device of this character which is independent of the volume control for the sound reproducing means, and by which. the sound volume will not be disturbed or changed as the sound and picture change-over is operated. Still another object of my invention lies in the elimination of changes in the electrical connections of the sound translating and am-.

'plifying' circuits when the sound and picture change-over is operated.

A more specific object of my invention lies in the provision of means whereby the operator may manually raise the regular projecting machine fire shutter provided in each apparatus, and the picture aperture shutter, without disturbing the setting of the other sound and picture shutters. Means are also provided, in accordance with a further feature and object of this invention, whereby manipulation of the change-over sound and picture shutters does not disturb the operation of the fire shutters in the picture projecting stations.

A further object of my invention lies in a change-over device which can be installed in connection with existing apparatus and thereby eliminating the present electrical switching devices in the amplifier circuits for the changing of the sound from one apparatus to another, and thus eliminating errors in the change'of sound volume and mistakes in making the sound change-over at the proper moment, incident to present practice.

Another object of my invention lies in the arrangement of the sound light source or/and shutter with respect to the photo-electric cell, whereby the latter is protected against light When the apparatus is inoperative, and whereby a shutter, if used, may be used also to spot the sound light.

As is well known in the talking motion pic ture art, there are provided in most theaters two or more motion picture projectors provided with a photographic sound reproducing unit of one type or other for translating a photographic sound record simultaneously and synchronously with the motion pictures to be projected from 55 the film which passes through the projector and sound reproducing unit. It is also well known that in such apparatus there are provided two apertures for the passage of light through the film, one aperture being to permit light to pass through the picture sections of the film, whereby, in cooperation with suitable lenses, the pictures are projected intermittently upon a screen to produce the illusion of motion. The second aperture provided in such apparatus is to permit the passage of light through the sound record portion of the film to the photo-electric cell or other light sensitive element, whereby the sound record may be translated into electrical impulses which are then suitably amplified and reproduced by loud speakers. Consequently the passage of light through these two apertures and through the film to the screen and to the photoelectric cell respectively, is entirely essential to the projection of the pictures and the reproduction of the sound. It will be understood, of course, that both of the projectors or sound and picture units of a theater are provided with such equipment. I

It is also well known in theater practice that ordinarily one only of the sound and projector units is operated at 'a time, and that while the reel of film is being run through the operating unit, the other unit is being reloaded with the next reel of film and prepared for operation upon completion of the operating reel. The usual practice when changing from one unit to another is to start the second. unit operating as the reel of film in the first unit closely approaches its end, so that by the time the first reel is finished the second unit will be up to proper speed and ready to continue with the projection and reproduction. In order that there may be no appreciable or noticeable effect in the sound and picture on the screen and from the loud speakers atthe time the change-over is made from one unit to the other, I have provided an instantaneous change over mechanism.

No great problem has been presented in smoothly and easily changing from one machine to the other insofar as the projection of the pictures are concerned, but with the advent of the talkies, entailing the reproduction of'sound with the pictures, this change-over presented a real and difiicult problem. The apparatus re quired for the translation and reproduction of the photographic sound records includes in ad-' dition to the light sensitive elements, amplifier circuits which are inherently sensitive to live surges and clicks caused by the operation of switches in such circuits, or similar devices abnormal to the free, quiet operation of the apparatus. The result is that in making the change-over above referred to from one machine to another, it has been practically impossible by known methods to eliminate undesirable noises, clicks, etc. emanating from the loud speakers due to one or more of the various elements above mentioned. Difi'iculty has also been encountered in properly making the change-over in order that there will be no interruption or break in the continuity of sound reproduction with proper synchronism with the picture projection, for when separate controls are used for the picture projection and the sound production, the operator often forgets to start the sound reproduction at the same time with the picture projection, re sulting in projecting pictures to the screen without the sound appropriate thereto.

By my invention I have overcome the diificulties presented by this operation, and have provided a novel change-over mechanism whichutilizes the principle of simply simultaneously cutting oil the light passing to both the photoelectric cell and the picture screen of one machine, and simultaneously admitting the light to the screen and cell of the other machine,

whereby no amplifier circuit makers and breakers are necessary and no changes in the voltage of any such circuit is necessary, so that a completely noiseless and instantaneous change-over may be eifected by a single simple control means without interruption or break in the continuity of picture or sound.

I am aware that there are many devices for changing the projected picture from one machine to another. Also, in my pending application Ser. No. 391,379, filed September 9, 1929, now Patent 1,862,062, granted June 7, 1932, I have disclosed and claimed a means for changing the sound reproduction from one machine to another. believe to be the first to combine under single control, the simultaneous cutting off or cutting on ofthe picture and sound illumination in a single sound and picture unit, and the simultaneous change-over of both sound and picture illumination from one unit to another.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and such other objects as may hereinafter appear, my invention consists in the change-over elements and their relation one to the other, as hereinafter are more particularly described in the specification and sought to be defined in the claims. The specification is accompanied by drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a rear view of two composite sound motion picture units equipped with my changeover device; 7

Fig. 2 is a front view thereof, but showing the change-over operating means in the opposite position from that shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 3 and 4 are detail views taken from the rear of one of the machines, illustrating the operation of one of the change-over shutters and also of the means provided for independently raising the fire shutter;

Fig. 5 is a detail top plan view looking down upon the top of the projector casing and illustrating the mechanical connection between the operating means at the rear of the machine and the sound shutter operating mechanism at the front of the machine; Fig. 6 is a detail view illustrating somewhat diagrammatically the sound translation device;

Fig. '7 illustrates my invention as applied to an electrically controlled shutter system; i

Fig. 8 shows acircuit arrangement for direct control of the sources of illumination; and

Fig. 9 is a detail of a shutter. I have illustrated my invention as specifically embodied in three forms, first, a shutter system wholly mechanically operated; second, a shutter system electrically operated; and third, an electrical system providing for direct control of the light sources. The wholly mechanical system is shown in Figs. 1 through 6 of the drawings, and will be described first.

The reference characters I and 2 refer generally to identical motion picture projectors equipped with sound reproducing means and each provided with. the usual picture projector mechanism housed in the projector casing 3 and the usual sound record translating means positioned within The present invention, however, I w

the casing t. Film magazines 5 are provided at the upper and lower sides of the projector and feed means, whereby the sound picture film may be withdrawn from the upper magazine and suitably moved through the casings 3 and t and into the lower magazine. Each unit is provided with a motor ii having suitable driving connection i with the film moving mechanism, none of the details of which has been shown, as they form no part of this invention.

On the rear side of each of the projector housings, there is provided an aperture 8 (Figs. 1, 3, and 4) of proper size to permit the passage of light from a suitably disposed external source 8a (shown schematically in broken lines in Fig. 1) into the projector housing 3 and through the picture portion or sections of the film as it moves intermittently therethrough. In alignment with the picture apertures 8 in the front of the projector casings 3 are the usual lens systems and openings 9 to permit the passage of the light therethrough to the screen. These parts may all be of conventional type.

In the casings 4 of the sound reproducing mechanisms, are the elements diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 6, including the light source or lamp I0, condenser lenses 1!, slit 6?, focusing lenses l3, roller supports l4 over which the film passes at the point of sound translation, and the aperture l5 through which the light modulated by the sound record on the film passes to the photoelectric cell l3.

From the foregoing, it will be clear that if the picture light is made ineffective or interrupted before, during, or after its passage through the apertures 8 or 9, said light will not be projected to the screen. Similarly, if the light from the lamp l is made ineffective or in any way prevented from reaching the photoelectric cell it,

there will be no translation and reproduction of the-sound record. In the present form of the invention I have, therefore, provided a system of shutters for the purpose of preventing the passage of light through certain of these apertures at desired times, as will be more fully described hereinafter. Inasmuch as each of the projectors and sound reproducing units are identical in construction and are provided with the same mechanism, the details of the change-over mechanism and the shutters associated therewith will be described as a single mechanism, it being understood that each of the units is equipped therewith.

Pivoted to a portion of the projector housing on the rear side thereof, as at 11, (Figs. 1, 3, and 4) is a lever I B, one end of which has pivoted thereto a handle member |8a of suitable heat resisting and non-conducting material, such as a good grade of insulation material, hard rubber, bakelite, or the like. This handle lBa is pivoted at I81) and is shouldered at its inner end, as at I80, for engagement with a fixed lug 18d on the lever 18, whereby upon pivoting the handle I So upwardly, the lever I8 is also rocked on its pivot I! to lower the opposite end thereof. The opposite end of the lever l8 has pivoted thereto, as at I9, a connecting member 20 pivoted to the upper end of which, as at 2!, is the lower end of a ous angular positions forwardly and rearwardly in which the projection unit may be placed.

The upper end of the rod 22 has a similar pivot connection, as at 25, with a connecting member 26 which is in turn pivoted to one end of a bell crank 27, the opposite end of which has pivotal connection to a horizontal'rod 28 extending across to a point above the other projecting and sound reproducing unit, as shown clearly in Figs. 1 and 2. The bell cranks 27 are pivotally supported, as at 2%, upon suitable brackets 36. These rods, bell cranks, and levers it are so arranged on each of the units that when the free end of the lever it? on the unit i is rocked upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 1, the free end of the lever 58 on the unit 2 will be rocked downwardly to its lower position. During such movement, the rod 22 connected with the end of lever iii of unit i will be moved downwardly, causing the bell cranks 27 to rock on their pivots and resulting in raising the rod 22 on unit 2 and thereby rocking the connected end of the lever 58 on unit 2 upwardly, or the free end downwardly. The reverse action, of course, takes place when the free end of lever l8 of unit 2 is moved upwardly, resulting in moving the free end of lever 58 on unit I downwardly.

The lower ends of the rods 24 have pivotal connection, as at 3!, with foot treadles 32 suitably pivotally supported upon the pedestal or base of each unit, whereby the operator may conveniently lower the rod 26 by foot action, which, through the rod 2t, will cause the above described movements of the levers I 8.

It will be noted that a turn buckle adjustment 33 is provided in the rods 24 in order to compensate or properly interrelate the projector and sound reproducing units, and similar adjustments are preferably provided for in the rods 22 or/and the rod 28.

The handle I80, is obviously positioned close to the light source (not shown) for the picture projection, and as such source gives oif a considerable amount of heat, the handle is, as above stated, preferably made of heat insulation mate- .rial, whereby the operator can operate the same without discomfort.

Secured tothe levers l8 adjacent the connection to the connecting member 20, is one end of an arm 35 adapted to be raised and lowered with the lever I8 as the same is rocked up or down. The upper end of this arm 35 has pivoted thereto, as at 36, one end of an arm 31 secured at its opposite end to one end of a. shaft 38 (see Fig. suitably journaled upon and extending across the top of the projector casing 3 and extending slightly beyond the front side thereof. Secured to the front extending and of the shaft38, as at 39, is one end of a link 40 secured at its opposite end, as at M, to the upper end of a vertically extending rod 42, the lower end of which is pivotally secured, as at 43 (see Fig. 6), to one end of crank 44, the opposite end of which is secured to a horizontal shaft 45, one end of which extends into the casing of the sound reproducing unit and carries a shutter member 46 positioned in alignment with and between the photoelectric cell 16 and the lamp I0 (see Fig, 6). This shutter member 46 is of a semi-cylindrical type and is provided with a tapered or angular edge 460. (see Fig. 2) whereby upon rotation of the shaft 45 in one direction, said shutter gradually and completely cuts off the light passing to said photo-electric cell, and, when said shaft is operated in the opposite direction,

The angular shutter edge 46a. provides for the gradual cutting off of the light beam to eliminate an abrupt or too rapid a variation in light, with its attendant noisy efiect in the loud speaker.

The vertical movement of the rod 52 causes the rotation of the-shaft 55 and shutter '55 as just described, and such vertical movement of the rod 32 is obviously produced by the rocking movement of the lever it through the arms 35, 571, shaft 38 and link till. The front end of the shaft 58 is suitably journaled in a bracket l? (see Figs. 2 and 5) on the front end of the projector casing.

The arrangement of these parts is such that upon raising the free end of the lever E8 on the unit 2 to the position shown in Fig; 1, the opposite end of said lever will be lowered, and, through the operation of the parts just described, the shutter 35 on saidunit 2 will be rotated to permit the passage of light to the photo-electric cell on that unit. Simultaneously, by virtue of the rods 22, 23 and bell crank 2?, the lever it on unit 9 will be rocked to the opposite position, which, through the arms 35, 3t, shaft 58, link 50, rod 62, and shaft 65, will cause the shutter (55 on unit to be rotated simultaneously with the shutter 65 on unit 2;, to prevent the passage of light to the photo-electric cell it in unit 8. Thus, there is provided a simultaneous change-over for the sound reproducing mechanism between the units i andjfi', such change-over taking place instantaneously and silently insofar as the electric circuits associated with the sound reproducing mechanisms are concerned, inasmuch the opening and closing of the light passages to the photo-electric cells causes no audible or noticeable efiect in the sound reproducing circuits and loud speakers.

It should be stated here that on each of the motion picture mechanisms, there is provided as a matter of common equipment, a so-called safety or fire shutter 58 adapted for movement into and out of alignment with the picture aperture 8 between the source of light and the film in the projector casing, said shutter 38 normally closing said aperture when the projector mechanism is not running ata certain speed in order to protect the film against the intense heat of the light source usually provided for picture projection. The details of this shutter have-been illustrated only insofar as they enter into this invention. Sufice it to say. that this fire shutter 38 is carried at the lower end of a vertical link 39 pivoted at its upper end, as at 50, to one end of a lever 5| pivoted centrally, as at 52, and the opposite end of which carries a pin 53 extending outwardly through an opening 56 in the projector casing. The weight of the shutter 38 is such as to normally cause it to assume its lowermost or closed position, as-shown in Fig. 4, with the pin 53 upwardly. Suitable speed governor mechanism (not shown) is provided in the projector casing and so connected with the fire shutter operating means in such a way that when the film moving mechanism has reached a certain speed which will permit the film to move past the shutter 8 without danger of ignition, the fire shutter 68 will be automatically raised to permit the light to pass therethrough.

Pivoted to the lever 18, as at 55, is an independent lever 56 having pivoted at one end thereof, as at 51, the upper end of a link 58, the lower end of which is provided with a shutter 59 adapted to be raised and lowered into and out of registry with the aperture 8. The upper edge of the lever 56 is turned over, as at 50, to normally overlie and engage with the upper edge of the lever aosaaee i8, whereby when said lever i5 is rocked on its pivot, the lever 55 will move therewith, raising and lowering the shutter 59 associated with such lever. The weight of the shutter 59 is such as to normally hold the lever 55 in engagement with the lever i8.

Consequently, as the levers it on both of the units l and 2 are rocked on their pivots to permit or prevent their respective sound lights to reach the photo-electric cells as before described, the shutters 59 will also be operated to permit or prevent the picture light reaching the screen in correspondence with the shutters 56. Thus,

'there is provided means whereby the picture and sound lights of the units I and 2 may be controlled in their visual and audible effectiveness by the simple rocking of either of the levers it! or the foot treadles 32, simultaneously cutting off both of said lights of one unit and utilizing those in the other unit, and vice versa.

It will be clear, of course, that the picture shutter may be positioned in other positions than that shown. Obviously, any position in which the shutter can be operated as described to cut oii the light from the screen, serves the same purpose. Likewise, the particular position of the sound light shutters 65 is immaterial, so long as they are between the light sources I 0 and the photo-electric cells it. The position in which these shutters are shown herein is frequently desirable because of easy connections between the two units, and particularly because in such position they shield the photo-electric cell from light when closed, and permit the turning on of the lamp id in the closed position in order to properly focus or "spot its light without affecting the cell.

It is desirable, in connection with the unit not operating and during the film threading process thereof, to be able to look through the aperture 8 from the rear of the projector casing to make sure that the film is properly threaded and in frame. For this purpose, the lever 55 is independently pivoted on the lever H8, at 55, whereby the same may be lifted as shown in Fig. 3, by rocking the handle I511 downwardly on its pivot, the inner end thereof engaging and raising the lever 56, to raise the shutter 59 out of registry with the aperture 8. In order to take care of the fire shutter 38 during this operation, it will be noted that the lever is provided at its opposite It will be noted, with respect particularly to Fig.

1, that the shape of the extension 6| on the lever 56 is such that when the lever i8 is in its raised position, as in unit 2 in Fig. 1, such extension is ineffective insofar as raising the fire shutter is concerned.

In order that the lever 18, when moved to either its upper or lower position, will stay in its set position, and to prevent it from accidental displacement, there is pivoted, as at 62, upon a suitable plate 63 a friction locking member 66 having a slidable end member notched as at 65, and spring pressed outwardly by means of the coil spring 66, said notched end engaging around the pin 6?, which pin may also form the fastening means for the arm 35 on the lever I8. The pressure of this locking member on the pin 61 of the arm I8 serves to frictionally hold the lever I8 in its set position either when rocked above or below horizontal.

To review briefly the operation of this device, it will be assumed that the parts are in the position shown in Fig.1, namely, with the apertures, both sound and picture, of unit 2 open and said unit operating while the apertures of unit I are closed and unit I not operating. If the operator, during the re-threading operation of unit I, desires to look through the aperture 8 to make sure the film is threaded past the aperture, he can simply raise the lever 58, as illustrated in Fig. 3, whereupon both the fire or safety shutter 68 and the change-over shutter 59 are raised to effect said vision. By releasing the lever 56, these shutters close by their own weight.

As the reel of film which is being projected and reproduced in unit 2 approaches its end, the operator starts the motor of unit I to get that machine up to speed, during which operation the fire shutter is automatically raised as before described, and when the proper moment comes for changing over from one unit to the other, the operator raises the lever I8 on unit I either manually,

or depresses the foot treadle 32 on unit I, resulting.

in promptly and simultaneously opening the shutters 59 and 46 on unit I and closing shutters 59 and 38 on unit 2 (see Fig. 2). Unit I is, therefore, now operating, and unit 2 can be stopped by turning off the motor, without in any way disturbing the continued operation of unit I. Unit 2 can now be prepared for the next reel, as before described, and then the change-over again effected from unit I to unit 2 at the end of the reel.

The sound and picture change-over is thus controlled by a single movement or operation, and is silent and substantially instantaneous and eliminates the necessity for switching of the amplifier circuits with attendant noises and disturbance in the sound reproducing units and loud speakers.

I shall next describe a modified form of the invention, in which the illumination'is controlled by a system of shutters, somewhat as in the case already described, but in which the control and actuation of the shutters is by electrical rather than mechanical means. Referring to Fig. 7, the first and second projection units are shown schematically, and each includes a picture illumination system comprising a source of illumination 88 for picture projection, and a shutter 82 for interrupting the illumination therefrom and thereby making the picture illumination system ineffective. The units further include a sound illumination system comprising a source of illumination 8? for the sound reproduction, and a shutter 88 for obstructing the illumination therefrom and thereby making the sound illumination system ineffective. The picture shutters 82 are controlled by double coil solenoids, generally designated PI and P2, while the sound shutters 86 are controlled by double coil solenoids generally designated SI and S2.

The mechanical features of the projection units are self-evident from an inspection of the drawings, and probably need no detailed explanation other than to briefly remark that'the film is taken from a supply reel 88 and is fed by appropriate feed mechanism of conventional type through the picture and sound units of the projectors, after which it is taken up by the take-up reel 98. The

light from source 88 passes through a condenser lens system 92, then through the film at 98, a projection lens system 86, and a rotary shutter 88. The illumination from source 86 passes through an appropriate optical or lens system housed in the tube I08 and including a stationary slit I62 which cooperates with the movable shutter 86. The concentrated beam of light from the optical system I88 is projected upon the sound track in the film at the point I06, and, after passing through and being modulated by the film, the beam of light falls directly upon a photo-electric cell I06 which may be of appropriate type and from which conductors extend through conduit )8 to appropriate photo-electric cell amplifier means of conventional type. I

The solenoids are so connected in circuit that they may be controlled by a single control means, here exemplified by the switch IIB, so that the picture and sound projection takes place simultaneously in either unit, and further so that the picture and sound projection are interrupted in one of the units when started in the other unit. For this purpose the two units are interconnected by a three-wire system including the common or return conductor II2 and the supply conductors lid and Mt. An appropriate power line M8 is connected to the three-wire system through the operating switch I I8, one of the conductors of line I I8 being connected directly to the common wire II2, while the other conductor is connected to switch I I8 and thence to either the conductor I I l or the conductor IIG. In the position shown, switch III] energizes conductor IIII, resulting in making the illumination or projection of unit I effective, while at the same time shuttering unit 2 to make the same ineffective. Thus, examining unit I, it will be found that coil I 28 of picture solenoid PI is connected across conductors II2 and I It, and therefore is energized and holds slidable core I22 toward the observer, thus moving picture shutter 82 out of the path of the picture illumination. Coil I245 of solenoid PI is connected across conductors I I 2 and M6, and therefore is deenergized. At the same time, coil I26 of solenoid SI is energized, it being connected across conductors 'I I2 and I It, and it therefore moves and holds slidable core I28 toward the left, as shown, thereby oscillating arm ltd in a clockwise direction and bringing the slit in cylindrical shutter 86 into registry with slit I82. Coil I32 of solenoid SI is connectedacross conductors II2 and I I6 and therefore is deenergized.

Referring now to the second unit which is not in operation and is being loaded with a new reel of film, the coil I28 is deenergized, it being connected across conductors II2 and I I8, while the coil I 24 is energized, it being connected across the In general, itwill be observed that the coils of solenoids PI and SI are so connected to the three-wire system II 2, II 4, and H8, that shutters 82 and 86 both close or open together; similarly that the collect solenoids P2 and 52 are so connected that the shutters 82 and 86 both close or open together; and finally, that coils Pi and Si are connected to the three-wire system in reverse relation to the coils P2 and S2 so that when the shutter system of unit i is open, that of unit 2 is closed, and vice versa. It will be evident that by moving the switch iiil from the upper to the lower contact, the conductor i it will become alive instead of the conductor ii i, thereby reversing the energization of all of the solenoids and consequently the positions of all of the shutters, thereby cutting out unit i and cutting in unit 2.

The shutters 86 for the sound reproduction are preferably arranged for a gradual rather than an abrupt cut-ofi, just as was mentioned in connection with the mechanically controlled units first described. In this case the desired result may be obtained by making the opening in shutter 86 triangular, as is indicated in Fig. 9. The sound shutter arrangement here described is generally similar tothat set forth in my copending application Ser. No. 391,379, now Patent 1,862,062, previously referred to, and includes a shutter located in the optical system between the lamp and the film. It will be understood that where more con-= venient, a shutter may be located between the lamp and the optical system, or between the optical system and the film, as well as between the film and the photo-electric cell, as was described in connection with Fig. 6.

The simple single-pole double throw switch shown in Fig. 7 provides for control of both units at a single point. The switch may be located at either machine, or, more preferably, between the same. However, if desired, a slightly more elaborate switching system may be employed, involving the use of aseparate switch at each unit,

either of which may be manipulated to oppositely by controlling the energization or lighting of the sources themselves in order to make said illumination systems efiective or inefiective, rather than by shuttering the light from the same. This arrangement is particularly valuable in connection with projector units of relatively small size, as for home use, or even of standard size when intended for somewhat portable use. In adopting this form of my invention, it is desirable to use lamps so designed, first, that no injury or reduction in life will result from switching the lamps on or oil; and secondly, that the illumination from the sound lamp will terminate gradually rather than abruptly.

In Fig. 8, it will be observed that first and second units are provided each including supply reels 8t and take-up reels 98 with appropriate guide and feed mechanism therebetween for feeding the film intermittently in the conventional manner past a picture projection point 96 and continuously past a sound projection point ill l, these parts all corresponding to the similarly numbered parts in Fig. 7. The picture projection system further includes the picture lamps Pi and P2, a condenser lens system 92, a rotary shutter 98, and a projection lens system 96. The sound reproduction system includes the lamps Si and aosacca S2, appropriate optical systems housed in cylinders ifiil, and photo-electric cells iflfiwired to appropriate amplifier units through conduits I08.

The lamps Pi, Si, P2, and S2 are all energized from a power line i ill under the control of two switches, switch i being located at or mounted on unit i, and switch 2 being located at or mounted on unit 2. The circuit wiring is such that lamps Pi and Si are lighted or extinguished together; lamps P2 and S2 are lighted or extinguished together; while lamps Pi and Si are lighted when lamps P2, and S2 are extinguished, or vice versa. The arrangement further is such that a movement of either switch to a position opposite from its previous position, reverses the energization of the units.

The switches are each double-pole doublethrow switches, and a little study of the wiring will show that with both switches thrown on their upward contacts, unit i is made inefiective while unit 2 is made effective; with switch i thrown downwardly and switch 2 upwardly, or, in other words, if the operator at unit i then changes switch i from the upward to the downward position, unit i becomes operative while unit 2 is made inoperative; with both switches thrown downwardly, that is, if the operator at unit'Z then throws switch 2 from its upward to its downward position, unit 2 is made efiective while unit i is extinguished; and, finally, if switch i is closed upwardly, and switch 2 is closed downwardly, that is, if the operator at unit i then throws switch i from its downward to its upward position, unit i is made operative and unit 2 is made inoperative.

It will be noted that the projection lamps Pi and P2 are connected directly across the supply line, that is, the full available voltage is applied directly thereacross. The sound reproduction lamps Si and S2, however, in many cases are designed to operate at a very much lower voltage, and in such case a step-down transformer may be provided between the power supply line and the lamp, as is indicated by the transformers M2. It will be appreciated, however, that the lamps Si and S2 may, if desired, be selected to accommodate the regular power line voltage.

The double switch arrangement described in Fig. 8 may, of course, be applied to the shutter system shown in. Fig. 7, it being merely necessary to connect the solenoid coils iii and i25 in Fig. 7 in place of the lamps Pi and Si in Fig. 8, and to connect the solenoid coils i2 i and i32 in Fig. 7 in place of the lamps P2 and S2 inFig. 8. At the same time, the corresponding coils in unit 2 of Fig. 7 are. connected oppositely to those in unit i, that is, coils iii! and i26' are connected for energization together with the coils 524 and i32, while the coils M6 and i332 are connected for energization together with the coils lit and iZii.

It will be understood that various combinations of the apparatus elements already described may be made as desired in any particular case. For example, instead of a complete shutter control, as shown in Fig. 7, or a complete lamp control, as shown in Fig. 8, a combination of both may be used, the picture and sound being controlled by shutter and lamp respectively, and vice versa. It will also be understood that a mechanical interconnection of the picture and sound shutters may be used, such as was described in connection with Figs. 1-6, but these mechanically interconnected shutters may be operated by solenoids interconnected by appropriate electrical circuits generalpicture and sound systems of each of said units aosaaos ly as described in connection with Fig. 7. It will also be understood that whenever a shutter is employed, it may be located at any point following the lamp, and, in the case of the picture shutter,

--may even be located at the port hole of the projection booth.

It is believed that the mode of constructing and using my invention, and the many advantages thereof, will for the most part be apparent from the foregoing detailed-description thereof. The several units are so interconnected that whenever one unit is made operative, the other is simulta-, neously made inoperative both as regards picture projection and sound reproduction, which greatly simplifies the control of the apparatus, and guards against delay or lag in making the changeover of the picture or sound, one relative to the other. Simultaneous and instantaneous change of both the sound and picture in any one unit is also provided, this feature being of value even in connection with a portable'outfit using only a single projection unit. The change-over is made without switching the amplifier circuits, thereby avoiding noises or clicks from the loud speakers. The operator may control both machines while working at either machine and without introducing any variation inthe volume control of the sound system.

Many other advantages accrue from my invention, some of which have already been set forth, and others of whichv are obvious from an understanding of the invention; and it is therefore unnecessary to review these advantages in detail. It will also be apparent that while I have shown and described my invention in preferred forms, many changes and modifications may be made in the structures disclosed, without departing from the spirit of the invention, defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1.- Motion picture apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, and a manually operable control device, each of said units including a picture projection system, means to make the same effective or inefiective, a sound reproduction system, means to make the same effective or ineffective sufficiently slowly to avoid audible click or noise from the sound system, said means and said manually operable control device being so interconnected as to make the simultaneously effective or ineffective and to -make one of said units eifective when another of said units is ineilective.

2. Motion picture apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, each of said units including a picture projection system, means to make the same effective or ineffective, a sound reproduction system, means to make the same effective or ineffective sufficiently slowly to avoid audible click or noise from the sound system, and a manually operable control device, and connections so interconnecting the aforesaid means and the control devices that operation of either of the manually operable control devices serves to make the picture and sound systems of erther unit simultaneously effective or ineffective and to make one of the units effective when another of the units is made ineffective.

3. A motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing unit comprising a picture projection light, a sound record light, means to shutter the picture illumination, means to shutter the sound illumination, a single control means, and wholly mechanical linkage mechanism interconnecting said control means and shutters for simultaneously moving both of said shutters into or out of effective position.

4. Motion picture apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, and a control means, each of said units including a picture projection light, a sound record light, a shutter for the'picture illumination, and a shutter for the sound illumination, said control means and shutters being so interconnected by wholly mechanical linkage mechanism as to make the shutters in each of said units simultaneously effective or ineffective and to make the shutters in one of said units effective when the shutters in another of said units are ineffective.

5. Motion picture apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, each of said units including a picture projection light, a sound record light, a shutter for the picture illumination, a shutter for the sound illumination, a control device, and mechanical linkage interconnecting the shutters and control device for simultaneously moving both of said shutters into or out of effective position, and additional wholly mechanical linkage mechanism so interconnecting the plurality of control devices that movement of one of the devices simultaneously oppositely moves another of the devices.

6. A motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing unit comprising a picture projection light, a sound record light, means to shutter the picture illumination, means to shutter the sound illumination, electrical actuation means for operating the picture shutter, electrical actuation means for operating the sound shutter, and a single control switch for simultaneously energizing said electrical actuation means for moving both of said shutters into or out. of efiective position, the sound shutter being arranged to shutter the sound illumination relatively slowly. '7. Motion picture apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, and a control switch, each of said units including a picture projection light, a sound record light, a shutter for-the picture illumination, a shutter for the sound illuminationf'and electrical actuation means for operating said shutters, said control switch and actuation means being so interconnected by appropriate circuits as to make the picture and sound shutters in each of said units simultaneously effective or ineffective and to make the shutters in one of said units effective when the shutters in another of said units are ineffective, the sound shutter being arranged to shutter the sound illumination relatively slowly. 8. Motion picture apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of motion picture projection and sound film reproducing units, each of said units including a picture projection light, a sound record light, a shutter for the picture illumination, a shutter for the sound illumination, electrical actuation means for moving said shutters, and a control switch, said actuation means and control switches being so interconnected by appropriate electrical circuits that operation of either of the control switches serves to move the shutters in each of the units simultaneously into effective or ineffective position and to make the shutters in one of the units effective when the shutters in another of said units are made iniii efiective, the sound shutter being arranged to shutter the sound illumination relatively slowly.

9. A motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing unit comprising an illumination system for the picture projection, an illumination system for the sound reproduction, a shutter in said picture illumination system, a shutter in said sound illumination system, a single control means arranged to simultaneously move such shutters into operative or inoperative positions, and additional means afiording opening of the picture projection shutter independently of the sound reproduction shutter.

10. Motion picture apparatus comprising a plurality of motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, and a control means, each of said units including a picture projection illumination system, a sound reproduction illumination system, a shutter in said picture illumination system, and a shutter insaid sound illumination system, said control means and said shutters being so interconnected as to make the picture and sound shutters in each of said units simultaneously effective or ineiiective and to make the shutters in one of said units efiective while making the shutters in another of said units inefiective, and additional means affording opening of the picture shutter independently of the sound shutter in the inoperative unit.

11. A motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing unit comprising an illumination system for the picture projection, an illumination system for the sound reproduction, a shutter in said picture illumination system, a shutter in said sound illumination system, a single control means arranged to simultaneously move such shutters v into operative or inoperative position, a fire shut= ter for said picture illumination system, and additional means affording simultaneous opening of the picture shutter and fire shutter independently of the sound shutter.

12. Motion picture apparatus comprising a plurality of motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, and a control means, each of said units including a picture projection illuminaaosaaee ter independently of the sound shutter in the in operative unit.

13. A motion picture projecting and sound'film reproducing unit including an illumination systern for picture projection, an illumination system for sound reproduction, means to make the picture illumination system ineiiective, means to make the sound illumination system inefiective, a manual control, a pedal control, and connections between the aforesaid means and said manual and pedal controls for making said picture and sound illumination systems simultaneously effective or inefiective upon operation of either the manual or pedal control.

14. Motion picture apparatus comprising a plurality of motion picture projecting and sound film reproducing units, each of said units including a picture projection illumination system, a sound reproduction illumination system, means for making said picture illumination system effective or ineffective, means for making said sound illumination system efiective or inefiective, a manual control, and a pedal control, and means so interconnecting the aforesaid-means and said manual and pedal controls as'to make the picture and sound illumination system in each of said units simultaneously efiective or inefiective and to make the illumination systems in one of said units efiective when making the illumination sys-= terns in the other: oi said units inefiective, upon operation of either the manual or pedal control at either oi the units. l

H. OWENS. 

